Strategic Account Manager I

About Us

At Lightspeed Networks, we deliver reliable internet, voice, and data solutions designed to meet the demands of today’s fast‑paced world. Since our founding in 2005, we have grown our network to more than 7,000 route miles of fiber, providing high‑quality, dependable connectivity capable of supporting even the most demanding user needs. 

Rooted in community, we believe strong, connected communities are essential to long‑term success. That’s why we are committed to ensuring residents and businesses in rural Oregon and Washington have access to high‑speed, reliable services and why we actively engage with and contribute to the communities we serve. 

We operate with accountability and transparency, communicating openly, acting with honesty, and taking ownership from start to resolution. Our customers count on us to follow through, and we take that responsibility seriously. 

Reliability is at the core of everything we do. We keep our commitments and deliver high‑quality solutions that our customers can trust, eliminating the challenges of slow or unreliable connections so they can focus on productivity and growth. 

Through engagement, we show up with purpose, presence, and focus. We are proactive in understanding the needs of our customers and recognize the contributions of the people and partners who make our work possible. 

Finally, we are committed to solving, proposing actionable solutions, continually improving our network and processes, and adapting with agility and creativity as technology and customer needs evolve. 

Together, these values guide our mission to simplify connectivity, strengthen communities, and create lasting opportunities across the regions we serve. 

Benefits 

We believe in taking care of our employees and offer the following benefits: 

• Complete medical, dental, vision, and life insurance is available. 

• Our safe harbor 401(k) plan is available to employees on day one and includes a 100% fully vested employer match of up to 4% of your compensation. 

• Eight paid holidays, flexible Take What You Need PTO and 16 hours of paid volunteer time! 

• Lightspeed Networks employees can also take advantage of local employee store passes at Columbia Sportswear, Adidas, and Costal Farms for big discounts! 

Lightspeed Networks focuses on attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees. We provide a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, where all employees are treated with respect and dignity. 

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Strategic Account Manager to join our growing telecommunications company that is redefining the data network industry. This is a full-time exempt position that is not eligible for overtime and is paid on a bi-weekly basis. In addition this position is eligible for commission paid on a monthly basis. This position will be located in our Willamette Oregon region.

Job Purpose:

The Strategic Account Manager is responsible for providing leadership in strategic account management and financial sales for a designated portfolio and sales strategy related to Lightspeed Networks' network services. This portfolio may include key segments such as Healthcare, Enterprise, Government, Education institutions, and others. The primary focus of this role is to retain and expand existing business within these key accounts by understanding their needs, identifying opportunities, and delivering customized solutions. The Strategic Account Manager II will collaborate across various functions within Lightspeed Networks Inc. to ensure client satisfaction and meet revenue targets.   

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive sales by acquiring, developing, and managing strategic prospective clients in designated territories and/or segments.   
• Manage customer relationships and satisfaction, consistently achieving annual revenue and retention goals for assigned strategic segment/customers.   
• Conduct live sales presentations to prospective clients.   
• Build relationships within the community to position Lightspeed Networks' go to market strategy and value propositions effectively.   
• Meet or exceed monthly sales quotas by identifying and closing incremental sales opportunities.   
• Develop account strategies for named customers, focusing on revenue growth and retention of existing services.   
• Engage proactively with customers to understand their evolving business needs and identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities.   
• Renew customer contracts to protect and grow existing revenue streams.   
• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of products/services and pricing to align effectively with assigned accounts.   
• Deliver tailored solutions based on customer needs related to Lightspeed Networks services.   
• Ensure customer satisfaction and act as the primary contact for any issues, coordinating with internal teams for resolution.   
• Manage sales and services for local and regional accounts in the Strategic.   
• Collaborate with Sales, Finance, and Operations to develop account management plans that address client needs and optimize sales opportunities.   
• Oversee existing revenue, sales opportunities, quotas, funnels, and forecasts in line with operational goals.   
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the manager.   
• May provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a peer or subordinate group. 
• Stay informed about competitor activities and market dynamics. 
• Ensure compliance with all established safety protocols and guidelines.  
• Attend all mandatory safety training sessions.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, Sales, or a related field.  

Experience:

• 2-4 years of experience in a Strategic Account Management role, preferably in the technology industry.  
• Working knowledge of USAC funding and the annual E-rate funding cycle.  
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales quotas.  
• Experience managing a portfolio of clients and developing strong relationships with key decision-makers.  
• Experience in strategic account planning and execution.  
• Experience working with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, or others).

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong presentation skills and the ability to build and maintain client relationships. 
• Commitment to excellence with a high energy level. 
• Proficient in negotiation and prospecting skills to meet sales goals. 
• Creative mindset and capability to conduct thorough account reviews. 
• Effective planning and independence in work responsibilities. 
• Self-motivated with a strong drive for sales. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of telecommunications industry and networking technologies.  
• A valid driver's license and proof of applicable vehicle insurance. 
• Excellent written and oral communication 
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in significant matters. 
• Maintain regular, consistent, and punctual attendance. 
• Availability to work nights, weekends, variable schedules, and overtime when necessary. 
• Able to travel as needed both driving to all areas of Oregon or Washington or flying/travel to conferences and events in OR and WA or other locations, including multiple nights, weekends, or other extended periods. 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills. 
• Strong negotiation and closing abilities. 
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills to identify and address client needs. 
• Proactive and self-motivated with a strong work ethic. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. 
• Exceptional time management skills. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
• Knowledge of the telecommunications industry and networking technologies.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Frequent walking and standing for extended periods while engaging with clients and customers, at various locations.
• Exposure to various weather conditions while engaging in field prospection of door-to-door sales activities, including rain, snow, heat, and smoke from wildfires
• Lift and carry promotional materials and products weighing up to 25 pounds occasionally, and assist in setting up displays or marketing materials at events
• Work in an office environment, primarily seated at a desk, utilizing a computer for extended periods